Sitting down for a virtual glass of bubbles with Dani was more than a pleasure. You may know Dani as the talented woman behind DaniMezza, a website where you get anything from plus size fashion to home decorating. Dani is also known for her beautifully acquired photographic skills. She sat down with us to reminisce on her special day when she married her best friend Steve.
Tell us about you and your blog?
I’m a Northern Territory girl who moved to Sydney with Steve in 2006. I started my blog as a way to keep in touch with family who were so far away – remember Facebook wasn’t available to the masses back then! My blog evolves as I do as far as content is concerned. I talk about anything and everything but I am passionate about plus size fashion which is why I founded #AussieCurves. I know bloggers are “meant” to define their niche but I don’t believe it’s true, with me you get all the facets, be they dull or sparkly!
Tell us about your wedding?
Steve and I married on Saturday the 24th of March 2007 at the Sebel Hawkesbury Resort Chapel which is surrounded by gardenias and roses. I walked down the aisle to “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve and to this day whenever we hear it on the radio in the car we squeeze each other’s hands. We were either crying or laughing during the ceremony, as were our 45 guests; it was wonderful. We lit a candle for Steve’s mother who had passed away and we had poetry read aloud by friends and family. As we had a small number of guests we booked the conference room for our reception which I decorated myself; it was perfectly intimate and saved us a lot of money.
I wore a Cinderella blue, dupion silk strapless gown with a slight sweetheart neckline and I added a crystal brooch for detail; it was made by Jean Fox Bridal in Parramatta. Steve wore a rented brown suit, as did the groomsmen. The bridesmaids wore cobalt blue cocktail dresses, silver shoes and accessories as well as pretty paper parasols. For the bridal party we had two groomsmen; Steve’s brother and my cousin and for my bridesmaids I had my sister and Steve’s sister. We decided not to have children at the wedding so we didn’t have a flower girl or page boy.
The food was fantastic, glasses were never empty and we had a black forest cupcake tower as our wedding cake which everyone loved. We hired a singer and a pianist to play during the reception and our first dance was to “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. At the gift table I set up a ‘Wishing Tree’ where guests could write wishes for us on little tags and hang them from the branches; it was so sweet and I still have all the tags today.
What was your most memorable moment (or moments!)?
Watching my new husband gaze into my eyes as he slipped the ring on my finger and then his honest and humble speech of “our great love” at the reception. I love him even more today, I really did marry my best friend.
If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Our celebrant came so well regarded but she must have just rolled out of bed the wrong way that day! Amongst other things, she arrived late because she forgot her shoes and had to go back for them, making me late down the aisle and essentially holding up other weddings. Anything that could have gone wrong, did. In the end we said our vows, we cried, we kissed, it was officiated and we left as husband and wife and that’s all that really matters.
Who are your favourite vendors?
Location – Sebel Hawkesbury Valley
Who was your photographer?
The morning of the wedding I discovered the photographer I booked was no longer coming as he had booked another job and sent his assistant instead. As a photographer myself, having researched for months to find someone who fitted in with our style aesthetic and budget, I was beyond furious. In the end I just had to breathe, enjoy the day and trust her. In the end it worked out ok but I still get a little upset nine years later.
What advice do you have for others planning their wedding?
Images by Catalina
Ms Chinoiserie Says: It’s so wonderful when two best friends marry – and despite a couple of hiccups along the way, the look of happiness on your faces was captured just perfectly. Pop on over to DanniMezza for fabulous tips and advice on plus size fashion, accessorising and life!
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